WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – As a former All-Star coming out of a disappointing season limited by ill health, Dellin Betances may be the most examined Mets appeaser at the camp.
The dexter fought in his debut in the Grapefruit League last week, but showed improvement on Monday, when he allowed an undeserved run in the fourth round of the Mets’ 9-5 loss to Nacional.
“I felt like I was attacking the strike zone for the most part today,” said Betances, whose fastball was mostly in the 90-92 mph range, with a shot that hit 94. “It’s something that I have to continue to do and make sure my arguments are more consistent.
Betances allowed a double out for Starlin Castro before Alex Avilia hit the ground in the change that should have been the third eliminated. But JD Davis threw it away, allowing the race to score.
Last spring’s training, Betances, was returning from a rupture in the Achilles tendon and may not be ready if the season had started in time. He missed most of September after forcing a lat.
“I like his stuff more than I did last season,” said a major league talent assessor. “I think his speed will increase on Opening Day.”
Carlos Carrasco played a simulated game at Port St. Lucie and will be shooting for the first time in an exhibition game this spring or early next year, according to coach Luis Rojas. The Mets will send Taijuan Walker to the mount on Tuesday for its first start of the show, and Jacob deGrom is scheduled for Thursday, after a blank day on the schedule.
Dominic Smith started at first base, his first time in a position this spring, while Rojas seeks to gradually increase his activity. Rojas indicated that most of Smith’s action this spring will come from the left field, which figures to become his primary position in the absence of a universal DH.
Pitcher Jordan Yamamoto mishandled Juan Soto’s grounder in the first inning by mistake, leading to two races (not won) that scored against him that day. The right-handed man threw three entries and allowed three hits and a walk. Yamamoto fights for the fifth spot in the Mets rotation with David Peterson and Jonathan Lucchesi, among others.